MELBOURNE, Fla. (Volleyball) - On Saturday afternoon, Florida Tech (3-4, SSC 1-3) fell to Nova Southeastern (4-2, SSC 2-0) in a thrilling match that ended by a two-point gap. After missing the first set to Nova 25-23, the Panthers tied the match to clinch the second set 25-22, but the Sharks responded and won the next two 25-21, 25-22.

Freshman outside hitter Audrey Keenan and senior middle blocker Olivia Hersey each had 11 kills, with Keenan adding two service aces and Hersey recording a team-high four blocks and .333 hitting percentage. The middle blocker now counts 69 kills for an average of 2.65 kills per set, placing her 17th in the SSC.

Sophomore setter Sheila Villagrasa notched her first double-double of the year, finishing with 37 assists and 17 digs. The San Juan, Puerto Rico-native also accumulated 3 kills for a .222 hitting percentage.

As a team, FIT recorded 52 kills and 48 assists for a .165 clip. Defensively, the Panthers bested Nova with a match-high six blocks and 97 digs. 

In a match that started with a 5-1 run, and consisted of three ties and four lead changes, FIT fell to the Sharks in the first set. Entering the second, the Crimson and Gray out hit Nova with 17 kills to record a .271 clip, which spanned over a set consisting of seven lead changes and seven ties. Coming out on top, the Panthers clawed the set with a three-point lead. 

After closely dropping the third set to the Sharks, a tightly contested fourth set yielded 18 ties and 18 lead changes between both squads. Late in the set, coming off a one-point rally, FIT tied the score 22-22 before the Ft. Lauderdale-based lineup grabbed three consecutive points to wrap up the set, 25-22.

Next up, Florida Tech will hit the road to face No. 4 Palm Beach Atlantic on Tuesday, Sep. 26 at Rubin Arena. Match is set for 7 p.m. ET. 

Fans can access more information at FloridaTechSports.com.